The Department of Environmental Protection recently launched its new electronic informal file review request form that provides a guide to DEP Regional Offices to promote a department-wide uniform standard process for receiving, processing and coordinating Informal File Reviews.
The new form will assist department staff, preserve resources and remove ambiguity from the Informal File Review Process
DEP makes a wealth of information available through its website including information about program areas, applicable laws and regulations, as well as, DEP policies and reports.
Through the website's eFACTS system, a variety of information about regulated facilities is available. If the information required is not available on the DEP website, you can request public information by scheduling an informal file review or requesting specific documentation under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (RTKL).
DEP recommends doing an informal review first; it is the easiest and quickest way for the public to access DEP records.
Records available under an informal file review include notifications, inspection reports, notices of violations, enforcement orders, applications, permit review letters, sample results, remediation plans, approvals, denials, pollution prevention plans and external correspondence. Internal email correspondence and records considered privileged (attorney-client, attorney work product or other privilege) or records otherwise considered confidential are not available under an informal file review.
Informal file reviews are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are scheduled in half-day and full-day sessions. Hours can vary depending on office location.
For more information, visit DEP’s Informal File Review webpage.
(Reprinted from the September 4 edition of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy of DEP News and view back issues.)